Green Procurement

Sony sees global environmental conservation as one of the most critical issues for humankind in the 21st century. Sony, as a good corporate citizen, works aggressively to conserve the environment and create a sustainable society.

Procurement of Parts and Materials Used in Sony Products

Sony designates suppliers that cooperate in the production of environmentally sensitive products as Green Partners. Sony established the "Sony Green Partner Standards" in 2001 with the aim of encouraging suppliers to introduce Green Partner environmental management systems.
In 2002, Sony established a set of "Management regulations for environment-related substances to be controlled which are included in parts and materials." Environment-related substances to be immediately banned or reduced were identified, as well as their applications. To make sure that suppliers observe these regulations, the "Green Partner Environmental Quality Approval Program" was prepared.

From April 2003, Sony procures parts and materials for its products solely from suppliers that have qualified as Green Partners. This qualification is one requirement for suppliers wishing to both start and continue doing business with Sony. Suppliers must renew their Green Partner approval every two years.

Procurement of Office Products and Other supplies

When procuring office products and other supplies, Sony places priority on selecting green products ("eco" mark products). Sony Group uses a regionally unified procurement system for office products and other supplies. The system provides a catalog containing a considerable number of recommended items to be used by Sony companies. As of September 2006, the catalog distributed in Japan lists approximately 8,200 items bearing the "eco" mark, serving as an effective tool in speeding up the procurement of green products.